So who makes the best AR15/AR10's

[doubleh]

Ford and Mack hands down, lol
Oh wait, I’ve had Chevy and GMC before I got my Ford.

Seriously though,

I was going to post when this was first posted but decided to wait. I was going to say our very own Gunny but not sure OPwould find it funny.

When I got my first AR there were those who claimed anything short of Colt and a handful of top tier manufacturers was risking your life if you ever needed it for self defense. Since then, I’ve seen torture tests on many and am really impressed on the PSA that couldn’t be destroyed until it was blown up with explosives.

The reality is if an AR uses high quality parts it’ll get the job done. After that some have nicer fit and finish. Some have nicer features, and there are a zillion ways to build them.

So as some said, it’s impossible to say what’s best. But high quality ARs exist in all price ranges.

And of course many of us now assemble our own as there are so many great parts and we can build them exactly the way we want!

Your post kind of proves the point I was trying to make. Everyone has an opinion and they can differ a great deal. Mack trucks? Yes they are good. The oilfield has proved that to me. They stand up as well as anything made in that environment. Ford anything. I've owned both cars and trucks in the past and driven some as company trucks. There isn't a Ford anything in my future. If someone gave me one I would accept the gift---and drive it immediately to a GMC dealer and trade it off.

Back to the OP. I have very little experience with ARs. My first was a S&W OR carbine, my second is a Colt carbine. They do exactly what I wanted them for and do it well and have had no problems. They are middle of the road in price and I intend to keep both. There are a ton of choices out there. Have fun picking from them. I'm going back to my popcorn and coke.

 

[MCMXI]

So yea the fit and finish on a DD my be a bit nicer than an M&P and definitely a PSA is it worth the premium?

Without apples to apples testing under a variety of conditions and a wide range of ammunition it's hard to know. For some premium products, part of the added cost is due to more extensive testing and product development. Another big cost factor is the longevity of the parts i.e. round count to failure. I would bet that most ARs don't get run particularly hard and certainly don't see anything close to tough conditions. An LE AR falls into this category too outside of very limited training classes given the limited budgets of most police departments. It's not hard to assemble an AR that will function well under near ideal conditions and that's the case for many ARs. It would be very interesting to see an extensive test of 10 or more ARs ranging from a home assembled version for $600 up to top tier products from LaRue, DD, Seekins, SIG etc.

The owner of a gun range in Las Vegas provides some interesting insights into AR15 quality and reliability on an AR15 forum. Admittedly the conditions in the range aren't particularly harsh but his testing through extensive use does cover different shooters and some high round count firearms often running in full-auto mode.

 

[Orcon]

AK Operators Union does some pretty brutal tests on AR15s running the gamut from PSA to Daniel Defense. Last I'd seen, the only rifle to make it to 5 thousand rounds without a major malfunction was the PSA Freedom carbine.You never stated your intended use for this rifle, I think that matters a lot and will influence your decision. Are you looking for precise, accurate shooting out to the max effective range or are you looking for something to run cases of XM193 at the 25yard pistol range?

 

[brutus51]

Well that's part of the reason for my quest. Already have a 24" Bushmaster V-match with a 4 x14 leapold on it, guns a real tack driver out to 300 yards on a windless day but it weighs in at 10+ pounds with the scope. With a 24" barrel it shoots the heavier bullets fine even with the 1 in 9 twist. Problem for me is I have to drive 60 miles to shoot it outdoors and it's pretty much useless at a 25 yard indoor range. So I was interested in finding a nice range toy, also been considering an M1 carbine and I just discovered the Kriss Vector 10mm which has really peaked my interest.

 

[Orcon]

You've got the coin for a Kris, get the SBR tax stamp and a can!

 

[Texas10mm]

Well that's part of the reason for my quest. Already have a 24" Bushmaster V-match with a 4 x14 leapold on it, guns a real tack driver out to 300 yards on a windless day but it weighs in at 10+ pounds with the scope. With a 24" barrel it shoots the heavier bullets fine even with the 1 in 9 twist. Problem for me is I have to drive 60 miles to shoot it outdoors and it's pretty much useless at a 25 yard indoor range. So I was interested in finding a nice range toy, also been considering an M1 carbine and I just discovered the Kriss Vector 10mm which has really peaked my interest.

I hit the range today. Three out of the four pistol bays had AR shooters on them. They are 20 yard pistol bays. I see it all the time. I'm guessing that most of them have never even been to one of the 100 yard ranges.

 

[brutus51]

Yeah I see them all the time, ones I get the biggest kick out of are the guys shooting M1 Garrands at 25 yards.
Like what's the point might as well bring along your 6.5 Creedmoor.
Now a 500 Nitro Express double I could understand.

 

[Varminterror]

Problem for me is I have to drive 60 miles to shoot it outdoors and it's pretty much useless at a 25 yard indoor range.

I currently have to drive about an hour to my private property, living in town while building a new house which will put me 100yrds off of my 400yrd range next year, and 5 miles from my 1200yrd range. I also have a membership at a private precision rifle range which goes out to 1000yrds, which is about 50 miles the opposite direction, and a membership to an indoor range with a 100yrds rifle range.

But not everyone is so willing to drive for their range time. I travel for a living, so throwing a couple hours out of my day to head to the range really doesn't factor in as a limitation for me.

No money of mine, certainly not $2500, would be spent building an AR-10 for 25yrd indoor use. Not even an AR-15. Maybe an AR9... But really, I just wouldn't be able to pretend to be happy living in a 25yrd and less shooting world... If I had to only live in 25yrds, it'd only be handguns and maybe a PCC, loosely attributing the AR9 and other pistol cartridge AR's into that group.

 

[brutus51]

Sad isn't it, in my area rifles and shotguns require a long drive, on the other hand there are plenty of indoor ranges close by, which makes handgun sports the most readily available.

 

[stillquietvoice]

Psa had PA 10 premium on sale for 559.00 could get a PA 10 and a 15 and have 1400 left to customize both considering your stated 2500 budget.

 

[IndianaBoy]

For what purpose?

Long range precision? General Purpose? Hunting? Defense? Patrol Rifle?

 

[BigSteve57]

I'm looking at White Oak and Compass Lake engineering for my flat top upper.

 

[Coal Dragger]

Looking at 16" or 18" barreled carbines. Don't want to spend more than $2500 but I'm hoping this urge will pass.
Looking at a Colt LE6940 at Bud's for $1245 is this a good choice?

The best factory guns? You’ll get a bunch of different answers from a variety of users based on their preferences and your stated use.

After watching a few pod casts of Primary and Secondary on the old YouTube in regards to AR’s QA/QC and some other topics with industry professionals on the panel; I’m comfortable saying that parts are not all the same and that more often than not you get what you pay for. Whether you need or value the more expensive parts or build processes I cannot say. The panels were discussing duty guns not hobby or gun game guns, so ideal specs for a duty gun will differ from a match gun.

One name did come up on both, and in fact was a major topic of one panel discussion: Knight’s Armament Company. At least in the opinions of some guys who have .mil procurement experience plus combat tours under their belts, who have toured firearms manufacturing facilities, Knight’s Armament is held in very high regard. Probably because they have the ability to prototype weapon system designs, and make all parts in house, in volume. Strange that you don’t see a lot of their products on the civilian side, given their production capabilities.

I currently have examples from: CMMG (hot garbage), Colt (pre-bankruptcy which is very good), Daniel Defense (very good, nice fit and finish), and a Knight’s Armament (lives up to the hype).

Were I told tomorrow that I was being sent back into active military service, and going back to Iraq, but I had to supply my own rifle/carbine I’d grab the Knight’s Armament without a moment of hesitation. If, in this hypothetical scenario the USMC was going to issue me a rifle I would ask if I could just use my Knight’s instead.

I wouldn’t feel under armed with the Colt or DD though, although the Colt would get the nod first due to configuration of that particular carbine with the SOCOM M4A1 barrel and DD RIS II rail. That particular barrel is a freak.

 

[kwg020]

Confused by both of these statements.

Where I worked we had to buy approved rifles and hand guns if we were going to carry them on duty. The Chief set the brands and models based on what ever the firearms trainers suggested. I was implying that before you ran out and bought a rifle you had better check with the Chief first to see what he would allow. You may of already discussed this and I missed it.
kwg

 

[Varminterror]

Where I worked we had to buy approved rifles and hand guns if we were going to carry them on duty. The Chief set the brands and models based on what ever the firearms trainers suggested. I was implying that before you ran out and bought a rifle you had better check with the Chief first to see what he would allow. You may of already discussed this and I missed it.
kwg

I think we all missed the part where the OP is looking to buy a duty rifle.... or you missed the fact he’s NOT buying a duty rifle....

 

[kwg020]

I think we all missed the part where the OP is looking to buy a duty rifle.... or you missed the fact he’s NOT buying a duty rifle....

You are right. He is not looking for a duty gun. I'd spend 6 or $700 on a Del Ton or put together one with a Ballistics Advantage barrel and spend everything else on ammo. If re-sale is an issue it would be a Colt. In my case, my kids are going to inherit some old worn out used up guns so I'm not buying them a Colt.
kwg

 

[IndianaBoy]

There are lots of boutique rifles out there that offer very little over a standard M4 clone.


If I were looking for ultimate durability in would probably buy a KAC SR15. For shooting targets/matches I would buy a JP Rifles JP15 for 3 gun. For ultimate accuracy you need a smith or to build it yourself around a Krieger or similar quality barrel.


Most people will be well served with a PSA or rack grade M4 clone. Some won't.

You can choose which enhancements you may appreciate. Barrel (accuracy, but needs good ammo to be realized), trigger (must have IMHO), stocks, handguards, optics, etc.


I think many people fail in choosing a capable optic and hamstring their fancy rifle.

 

[brutus51]

Well I shopped around at the local gun shops and looked at a whole bunch of AR's. Couldn't find the Colt 6940 or a Lewis machine tool anywhere. Took a look at the Springfield armory which was very nice but had an 18" barrel with a 1 in 8 twist. Fondled a Wilson combat, too expensive. Finally one of the bigger shops in the area had a Daniel Defense DDM4 V5, perfect 16" 1 in 7 twist barrel, 6 1/4 lbs. and an adjustable stock. Price was a little hefty at $1738 but still under 2k.


My Bushmaster V match with a 24" 1 in 9 twist barrel shoots all bullet weights just fine, well up to .69 grainers anyway.
What ammo do you recommend for a carbine of this length?

 

[Obturation]

Brute

Ok I gotta ask. What is a "Hillary Hole?"

It where bill keeps his cigars. Bill the plumber, he smokes cigarillos and puts them in his revolver when he shoots so the smoke doesnt waft in his eyes.

 

[js8588]

You do.

Do your research. Buy the best parts you can afford. Enjoy the fruits of your research and labor.

You'll have a gun with all the features you wanted without the need to upgrade later (I said NEED guys. We all know buying/building an AR is rarely a one-and-done affair. It's like Pringles, redheads, and beer).

 

[Obturation]

Well I shopped around at the local gun shops and looked at a whole bunch of AR's. Couldn't find the Colt 6940 or a Lewis machine tool anywhere. Took a look at the Springfield armory which was very nice but had an 18" barrel with a 1 in 8 twist. Fondled a Wilson combat, too expensive. Finally one of the bigger shops in the area had a Daniel Defense DDM4 V5, perfect 16" 1 in 7 twist barrel, 6 1/4 lbs. and an adjustable stock. Price was a little hefty at $1738 but still under 2k.


My Bushmaster V match with a 24" 1 in 9 twist barrel shoots all bullet weights just fine, well up to .69 grainers anyway.
What ammo do you recommend for a carbine of this length?

Ive got a ddm4v5, its great. Paid $1400, i think youre getting swindled.

 

[jaysouth]

who makes the best? I do!

Send me $8,467 in certified funds.

 

[redneck2]

FWIW...there’s a shop not too far from me that builds AR’s. One of the guys there manufactures AR BCG’s. Last year he sold 224,000 to various makers. Some very well known makers. They are all the same

You can have them build (or they will help you build on site) anything you want. Pick your barrel, stock, sights. Anything. And they’re way cheaper than the boutique manufacturers. Guaranteed to shoot 1”

My last upper is from there. Wilson air gauged target grade barrel. Hand guard and charge handle of my choosing

You just have to get over not having that cool little logo that costs $500

 

[tarosean]

Daniel Defense DDM4 V5, perfect 16" 1 in 7 twist barrel, 6 1/4 lbs. and an adjustable stock. Price was a little hefty at $1738 but still under 2k.

GrabaGun is blowing out DD rifles. I got an email from them earlier today about a DD MK12 for 1439.00. Ive seen other rifles of theirs on sale too. (cannot post a link as they IP ban the country I am in right now)


As for the best???? ______________ wins hands down..

and Ill never own another Ford pickup for the poster who claimed they were #1...

 

[Zerodefect]

Did you check out the Larue kit yet?

$800ish.

Just need a Magpull BEV block and a vice.